Andrew writes in today’s South China Morning Post:
Gary Lai writes today (12 April) that HK can learn from New York City when it comes to making HK more pedestrian friendly; and in using Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to do so.
I advise on infrastructure finance including PPPs and I disagree on both counts.
First, HK and NYC are very different in their contexts.
- HK is already way ahead in the standard and patronage of its urban rail network. The MTR averages 4 million trips per day by a population of 7.4 million, NYC 2.4 million trips per day by 19 million. The MTR network has shaped where HK has built.
- HK is far more congested, not just in terms of alternative routes but also in the narrowness of its streets and pavements as today’s buildings and traffic overwhelm a street network laid out in the 19th century. (Realistically, there is then no room for bikes in urban areas.)
- Car usage in HK is much lower due to sheer cost. (By the same token, if you can afford to pay a 100% purchase tax then perhaps employ a driver, you are not going to worry about trivial incentives like parking charges or fines.)
Second, PPPs work when there is a clearly distinguishable revenue stream and where risk and responsibility for funding can be sensibly passed to the private sector. In HK, PPPs have worked for the three cross – harbour tunnels, for example. Otherwise, PPPs can get very complex and controversial – as happened in the US when in 2008 Chicago sold 75 years (!) of future parking meter revenues for a mere US$1.2 billion (the city needed the money).
On the other hand, I can, of course, agree with Mr Lai that HK’s streets should be more pedestrian – friendly. Amongst many proposals are:
- More outdoor escalator systems up hillsides.
- Contrary to conventional thinking elsewhere, traffic (even when slow moving) and pedestrians don’t mix in HK. So, more walkways above the traffic, please.
- Yes, finally pedestrianize much of Des Voeux Rd West.
- Require new buildings (and old ones) to provide awnings to protect passing pedestrians.
- Require goods vehicles to unload in off-peak hours.
- Shorten bus routes where they are running largely empty.
- Boost the ferry network not just across the harbour but also along the shore (The government can afford a modest subsidy.)
Crucially, the government could do all of the above tomorrow and do so without resorting to PPPs!
